Chamber News JANUARY 2021
THE VOICE OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
YEAR IN REVIEW
Best of 2020
INSIDE: 04 | New Members 06 | The Book Nook 08 | 2020: In the Numbers 09 | Photo Recap
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair John Fox Green Sen, LLC. Chair-Elect Scott Harvard First Bank Vice Chair Charles Daniels Integrus Holdings, Inc. Treasurer Adrian Taylor YHB
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
04 | Letter from Community Partner
07 | #StrongerTogether in 2021
04 | New Members
08 | 2020: In the Numbers
05 | TVRC News and Events
09 | 2020 Year in Photos*
06 | The Book Nook
*NOTE: Photos displayed on page 9 were taken at pre-pandemic events.
15 | Ribbon Cuttings
Immediate Past Chair Tracy Vosika George Mason Mortgage, LLC
11 | TVRC Strategic Plan and Goals Recap
Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Sponsors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Emily Burner Shenandoah University Jenny Grooms WMC Foundation Jim Guisewhite SVN Commercial Specialists
Chamber Elite
James Imoh Edward Jones Investments Kevin McKannan Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C.
Chairman’s Club
Katrina Meade City National Bank
President’s Club
Cary Nelson H.N. Funkhouser Nadine Pottinga United Way NSV Kristy Powers Navy Federal Credit Union
Media Sponsors
Patti Solenberger Solenberger’s True Value Hardware James Stewart
Grafton Integrated Health
Letter From Community Partner
CHAMBER STAFF
Remaining the Voice of Business Happy New Year! I am very excited to be serving as the Board Chair for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Where to begin? I’m sure that everyone is happy to flip the page on 2020 and excited for what 2021 holds. We’ve lost friends and loved ones, watched businesses shut their doors, changed the way we work and done the best we can helping our children with their school assignments. We’ve felt powerless, scared and angry. Adjusting to the “new normal” has required many changes and sacrifices that we never could have expected. Even worse, experts predict we still have a ways to go before things are better. However, there is hope on the horizon. As vaccinations continue and businesses and individuals navigate their ways through these unprecedented times, our perseverance will prevail. At the Chamber, while many programs and events have changed to virtual instead of in-person, I’m so proud of our CEO, Cynthia Schneider and her whole staff who have adjusted to the challenges. The TVRC remains focused on helping our local businesses and remaining the voice of business for the City of Winchester, Clarke County and Frederick County, Virginia. Our organization is strong and will continue to play an important role in the region. My goals for 2021 will focus on helping our local businesses now and into the coming recovery. Our Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of professionals that are committed to the mission. We will all be here to provide assistance, resources and guidance. I wish you all the best for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2021.
John Fox | 2021 Board of Directors Chair Green Sen, LLC.
UPCOMING EVENTS View the full TVRC calendar at regionalchamber.biz
2021 State of the Chamber
2021 Greater Good Awards
Corporate Challenge
Wednesday, Jan. 27 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 18 More details to come
Spring 2021 More details to come
Welcome
New Members Comfort Inn & Suites Green Sen, LLC. Beiler and Company LLC
Cynthia Schneider CEO cschneider@regionalchamber.biz
Billy Whirley Director, Membership Development bwhirley@regionalchamber.biz Dan Hitchcock Membership Development Specialist dhitchcock@regionalchamber.biz Ashley Miller Director, Marketing & Communications amiller@regionalchamber.biz Danita Roble Director, Event Management droble@regionalchamber.biz
407 S. Loudoun Street Winchester, VA 22601 540-662-4118 regionalchamber.biz
OUR VISION
Be the voice of business for Frederick & Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester, Virginia.
OUR MISSION
Thanks to our new members who joined the Chamber between December 1 and December 31. To learn more about membership benefits, call 540-662-4118.
Provide programs and services to meet the business and professional needs of our members.
OUR PURPOSE Connect business and community resources for mutual success.
TVRC NEWS & EVENTS Nominations for the 2021 Greater Good Awards Lights. Camera. Action. Nominations for the Greater Good Awards, an event that celebrates companies and community leaders during an evening of celebration have begun! Honors to be presented include Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Emerging Leader Award and NEW in 2021, Non-Profit of the Year. Do you know a business or individual who should be recognized for their accomplishments? We encourage you to nominate them all. Nominations must be summited by January 29, 2021. All winners will be honored on Thursday, March 18 at the 2021 Greater Good Awards. Visit regionalchamber.biz for nomination forms and more event details as they become available.
In the News: Virginia Employer Readiness Toolkit In October, the Virginia Talent & Opportunity Partnership, a public-private partnership formed between the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), was officially unveiled as part of the 2020 Virginia Education and Workforce Conference. Virginia TOP is tasked with creating greater connectivity between students, institutions of higher education, and the employer community to expand paid and credit-bearing internship and other workbased learning opportunities. Today, the Virginia Talent & Opportunity Partnership is pleased to release the Virginia Employer Readiness Toolkit - a blueprint to develop quality internship opportunities for Virginia’s talent pipeline. Virginia has long been recognized for its robust talent supply pipeline, world-class higher education infrastructure, and strong business community comprised of some of the nation’s leading industries. Through the Employer Readiness Toolkit, it is our hope to foster greater connectivity between the education institutions, the student and parent population, and employers throughout the Commonwealth. Helping more students experience business as an educational pathway to a career will help position Virginia to continue to lead the nation in talent and workforce development. Funded through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program, Virginia TOP, is currently in the first stage of a multiyear rollout. Virginia TOP will continue to develop resources focused on building and retaining a talented workforce with the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs across Virginia. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3oe0a6T
COVID-19 Resources: Lord Fairfax SBDC Has your business been impacted by COVID-19? The Lord Fairfax SBDC provides accessible and knowledgeable resources through its staff and specialized consultants. Learn more by visiting https://lfsbdc.org/has-your-businessbeen-impacted-by-covid-19/
Save the Date: YPG | WPS Strategic Plan Feedback & Listening Session Join TVRC’s Young Professionals Group on Friday, Jan. 15 at 12:00 for a special Winchester Public Schools Strategic Plan Feedback and Listening Session. A steering committee comprised of school parents, students, staff, teachers, administrators, business partners, etc. has been meeting over the past 6 months or so to develop our strategic plan for the next 5 years. We have a draft in place and Dr. Van Heukelum, superintendent of schools, is conducting google meets with various community groups to share the draft document and solicit feedback.
Save the Date: 2021 State of the Chamber Join TVRC on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. for our 2021 Annual Membership Meeting: State of the Chamber. The event will include a 2020 Year-end-Review, an introduction of the 2021 Board of Directors and will highlight legacy members. Meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom. Learn more and register: www.regionalchamber.boz/events
TVRC Office Closure: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day The TVRC Office will be closed on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr., Day. The office will reopen by appointment only on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
By Matt Swain, PR Manager Handley Regional Library System The Book Nook is a monthly column connecting the community to diverse authors and books about business and careers.
Getting it All Done
Harvard Business Review, eBook at hoopladigital.com It used to be simple: Stay late, turn in flawless work, catch up on sleep later. You needed that mind-set to get where you are, but that’s not going to cut it anymore. You need to make different choices to succeed at work, as a parent, and as a family member. Getting It All Done can’t teach you how to be in two places at once, but it provides you with expert advice as you manage the challenge of succeeding at work while making sure your family is housed, fed, healthy, safe, and educated.
Behold the Dreamers Mbue, Imbolo
Part of our Next Virtual Book Club Discussion on February 3rd Our monthly virtual book club, Brown Bag with Books, is available on Zoom. Register and see what’s next at www.handleyregional.org/club Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant living in Harlem, has come to the United States to provide a better life for himself, his wife, Neni, and their six-year-old son. Jende can hardly believe his luck when he lands a job as a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a senior executive. However, the world of great power conceals troubling secrets, and soon Jende and Neni notice cracks in their employers’ facades. Need more inspiration? We help small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals take care of business at your local library. Visit www.handleyregional.org/ business
We Remain #StrongerTogether in 2021 By: Ashley Miller, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
In a year that brought unimagined challenges, the Top of Virginia demonstrated once again the strength and resiliency that sets our region apart. COVID-19 transformed our lives in many ways we never thought possible. As the crisis, global in scale, became more widespread and uncertainty increased, businesses across all sectors became innovative and collaborative to fight the unprecedented challenges. Neighbors helped neighbors, business models changed overnight, supply chains overhauled and customer service methods reoriented. In late March. the Chamber quickly pivoted to meet the needs of our members, while remaining a conduit for information from local and state public health agencies and government officials. In the first week of the pandemic, we introduced #TOVOpen4Biz on our social media platforms to create a sense of community in the Top of Virginia and amongst businesses. We also opened three public groups, “Top of Virginia Take Out and Delivery Options”, “Top of Virginia Job Opportunities” and “Good News in the Top of Virginia.” Today, the groups still
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In April, TVRC members gathered for our very first virtual event: Zoom-A Palooza, where members shared the highs and lows of their industries, some good news and caught up with their peers!
remain highly active and continue to reach a wide number of community members in Clarke and Frederick Counties, and the City of Winchester. Staff found creative ways to connect members and business for mutual success with new virtual opportunities and we hosted important and impactful town halls addressing business concerns. We partnered with Dr. Dave Leadership Corp and Virginia Career Works to offer the first Virtual Job Fair, where job seekers had the opportunity to chat with employers in virtual rooms. We launched our Telemed program to all TOV community members and all Virginia Chambers, providing access to health care to those who needed it most and we joined fellow business leaders in the creation of the OpenAndSafeNSV pledge and Shop Local campaigns. In this special edition, we highlight not only our successes, but our members. While 2020 was quite challenging, the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber is encouraged and looking forward to 2021, a year where we will continue to remain #StrongerTogether.
TVRC Strategic Plan and Goals Recap By: John Lamanna, Timber Ridge School
In December 2018 the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber (TVRC) met for a day retreat with the objective to develop a strategic plan for 2019-2021. It was the full agreement of the Board that strategic directions were needed to ensure the Chamber remains focused on its mission and responsive to its members. The strategic planning session was facilitated by Dr. Dave Miles of Dr. Miles Leadership Corp. The mission of the Chamber, to provide programs and services to enhance the business and professional development of the members, remains the driving force and sets the direction for its work. It is also important for our members to note the core values selected which set the standard for each strategic goal. The core values are: Sustainability, Leadership, Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence. The key focus areas for 2019-2021 are the following: Increase membership, financial stability and revenue growth, position of Top of Virginia Regional Chamber as “the hub� for the business community and Innovative and impactful branding and marketing. Each of these key areas were translated to goals and each goal assigned to TVRC Board committees. The Membership Committees goal is to increase membership to 900 by 2021. The committee has completed several activities to increase membership through contacts and enhancing services. Our current membership is 750 +/-. As with so much and for so many this year, COVID-19 has been a significant challenge. The committee has attempted to alter their activities recognizing the existing barriers to service delivery. The Finance Committees goal is to increase financial stability and revenue growth with the planning and initiation of the Finance Committee, TVRC has
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Photo courtesy of Bridgeforth Photographics.
established a reserve fund to further strengthen our financial practice. The reserve fund is currently $12,447. The Marketing Committees goal is to increase brand awareness and protect the integrity of the brand. The Committee has established protocols for the use of the TVRC logo and has provided input and directions for the enhancement of the TVRC website, publications, and other marketing efforts. The Public Policy Committees goal is that TVRC will be an active conduit for legislative information and generating initiatives which support local businesses. The committee has and continues to facilitate pre and post legislative sessions with local legislators. It also channels legislative information through the Board to the membership and processes opinion and input received from members. The Workforce Development Committee is working on several goals. A primary goal: The committee will collaborate with local resources to improve workforce readiness of students in K-12 in the Winchester, Frederick and Clarke. The committee has been successful in connecting local high school career and technical education programs with the needs of local businesses. The brief identification of goals and committee activity is intended to provide a general review of the work being done. In January, TVRC Board has planned a session to review progress with each strategic goal and update activities completed by each committee. The bottom line in assessing any strategic plan is the reality of its impact. The TVRC Board and staff truly hope that the direction set by the strategic plan has made a positive difference in our business community.
Fun with Membership
Ribbon Cuttings
TVRC MEMBER TESTIMONIAL:
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Lisa Sipp ShenArts
Congratulations to SMARTYPANTS MEDICINE on their December ribbon cutting! SMARTYPANTS MEDICINE is a Direct Primary Care, Internal Medicine practice in Winchester, Virginia. Through a membership model, like Netflix, you can get healthcare without the headache.
The Shenandoah Arts Council (ShenArts) has been dedicated to promoting the arts in the northern Shenandoah Valley since 1978. Our partnership with the Chamber makes a tremendous impact on our outreach into the community. As our region continues to flourish, our Chamber membership is a valuable gateway that keeps us current, provides significant opportunities to network, partner with local businesses, and participate in Chamber sponsored workshops for the greater good of the community.
Member
Congratulations to our renewing members! We greatly appreciate your continued support and involvement.
Renewals • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Apple Blossom Family Practice Apple Federal Credit Union Atlantic Union Bank - Commercial Loan Office Cardinal Technology Solutions, Inc City of Winchester Dr. Dave Leadership Corp. Erika de Azagra - ERA OakCrest Realty, Inc. GET WELL NOW, LLC Hepler Homes Hutchens Family Dentistry Isomer Media, LLC J and P Exhaust Cleaning LLC J.R.’s Auto Body Kimberly’s, LLC MAP Property Solutions LLC Nate L. Adams III, P.C.
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Packham’s Home Improvements Piccadilly’s Public House & Restaurant PRK Drilling & Blasting, Inc. Remax Roots - Paul Gallagher Riddleberger Brothers, Inc Sidney Enterprises LLC SIGN HERE Skyline Roofing Inc Summit Community Bank Tech Team Solutions, LLC The Red Wagon Ministry The Retreat at Berryville The Willows at Meadow Branch Titan Virginia Ready-Mix LLC Travelodge - Winchester Valley Health System & Winchester Medical Center YHB | CPAs & Consultants
MEMBER NEWS & BUSINESS AGENDA UPDATES • • • • • • • • • • •
Dr. Julie Landrio, physician at Blue Ridge was granted the Hospice Medical Director Certified credential by the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDC®)- Richard Kennedy 540-313-9200 Students from Winchester Public Schools sent over 100 cards and messages to Valley Health staff expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the hard work our healthcare workers do every day. Thank you to the students for sharing such kind words this holiday season. Northwestern Prevention Department: Rooted in Positivity, a campaign offering inspiration and hope, reminding us that eve in the differing seasons of life, we can still continue to group. show your support by placing on our inspirational signs in your yard or place of business. Signs may be picked up at the TVRC office. Randolph Macon Academy’s graduating class has had a 100% college acceptance rate and average over $6 million in college scholarships each year! Students attend top colleges that include the Air Force Academy, University of Virginia, Northwestern University, MIT, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and more! Learn more about our outstanding Academics: https://hubs.ly/H0DbWgv0 ArtScape update- Due to the pandemic, the Shenandoah Arts Council has changed the timeline for the Old Town ArtScape 12 banner project. Calls for Art and banner sponsors are now active at www.shenarts.org REC recently promoted Shawn McDonough to Western Region Manager. This region includes portions of the counties of Albemarle, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Stafford and Warren. A huge thank you goes out to our SVWC elves (dining staff members) for preparing 70 hot meals for youth at The Kids Clubs of Northern Shenandoah Valley! Our tall elf, SVWC’s CFO, Duane Wernecke, delivered the food. The kids were so excited about the hot dogs. After all, this is what the true holiday spirit is about! The numbers are in! We raised $78,823.54 in the Red Kettle Campign in Winchester this year. We raised another 6.5k in online donations at RedKettleNow.com. Thank you for helping to #RescueChristmas! Custom Imprinted Brutes, NOW AVAILABLE! To learn more visit: https://www.specialmade.com/hotstampedbrutes 2020 was a year unlike any other. It tested us in new ways, and working side by side, we have grown stronger, more resilient, and more grateful for our blessings. Join us in taking a look bac: https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/news/community-news/2020/valleyhealth-2020-year-in-review/ 7 SU student-volunteers spent 448 hours last semester lending a listening ear to those calling into the community crisis organization, Concern Hotline. “Sometimes we underestimate the power in just having someone who is there to actively listen to us.” — Deeanna Delcoco ’22
